The cottage will be divided into two wings with office space, and will feature two kitchenette areas, libraries, common areas and front porches. The cottage will house 16 girls.

About $1.1 million needs to be raised for construction. Fundraising efforts have cranked up and will continue for the next few months. On Monday, the organization kicked off the public phase of its capital campaign and announced the plans.

In 2005, the Children Shelter was not able to accommodate 16 girls who wanted to live in its long-term facility because it did not have the space.

Children from infants to teenagers are referred to the shelter from police agencies or the state Department of Social Services when neglect or abuse is reported. Children stay in either the emergency or long-term shelter.

Coulter said as many as 24 people can share the living quarters. One of the benefits of the new cottage is that it will afford the girls more privacy, she said.

The organization took one giant step toward its goal when a local couple, wanting to inspire optimism in young children, made a generous donation.

Three years ago, Lynn and Linda Spencer of Lake Bowen lost their 12-year-old son, Clayton Reed Spencer, in a boating accident. With the support of family and friends, the Spencers raised $200,000. That money will go toward building the girls' cottage.

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